Mandaue sweeps cluster 6 titles in GUV Cup event

CEBU, Philippines - The Mandaue City teams swept the men and women’s titles during the Cluster 6 action of the 6th Governor Gwen Garcia Unity Volleyball Cup Open the other day at the Panphil B. Frasco Memorial Sports Complex in Liloan, Cebu.

In the men's bracket, reigning city cluster champion Mandaue overpowered defending municipal cluster titlist Liloan in a thrilling three-set battle.

It was closely-fought duel in the first set resulting into seven deadlocks, the last was at 24-all after Mandaue's Roderick Arenas scored on a lightning attack.

After three slides, Mandaue prevailed, 28-26, behind the agrressive plays of Edward Carlo Tecson and Jesriel Pino.

With their backs pinned against the wall, the Liloans gamely rose to the challenge to lash back at Mandaue in the second set, 25-21, thanks to the never-say-die spirit of Sasing, Becaldo, Jacky Yrog-irog and Rowell Lato.

Again, the two protagonists were locked up in an air-tight duel in the deciding set that was accounted for several deadlocks. Liloan though had its last gasp of breath at 20-all as Edward Ybanez, Pino, Arenasa, Tecson and last year’s MVP Ramil Espinosa connived on a 4-0 spread that put Mandaue safely ahead, 24-20.

Liloan could only score one point from thereon as Mandaue eventually wrapped up the match, 25-21.

Unlike their men's counterparts, the Mandaue belles had an easy time in disposing off Liloan in straight sets, 25-21, 25-10 to clinch the women's title.

Among those who starred for Mandaue's victory were former RP Youth member, Genie Sabas, former Nestea beach volley champs Erika Camille Verano and Jusabelle Brillo, Nina Irish Cortes, Chona Gesulga and Kennette Garces.

Despite the setback, the Liloanons still have something to look forward to as they also reached the quarterfinal round for taking the first runner-up honors in the cluster division.

The next phase of the tournament is slated on December 11 at the Cebu International Convention Center. (THE FREEMAN)